A lapboard for a safety deck

ABSTRACT

A lapboard for a safety deck assembly, the safety deck assembly comprising a upper deck formed of one or more decking panels having a substantially planar upper surface and an elevated support assembly comprising a number of elongate legs, a base for each elongate leg to form a foot, a head for each elongate leg to at least partially support a decking panel relative to an upper end of the leg, the lapboard comprising a substantially planar upper surface and at least one receiving opening formed in an underside of the lapboard to receive a portion of the head to locate the upper surface of the lapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels, the lapboard being smaller in width than the decking panels.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of safety decking.In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a lapboardfor use in a safety deck system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A safety deck is normally constructed within a building to provide asafe working platform for working at a height above the floor. Manyconventional safety decking systems are lightweight including plasticdecking panels.

A safety deck system typically includes a number of different componentssuch as decking panels, elongate legs, base/heads for mounting relativeto the ends of the legs to form a foot at a lower end, and a head forlocating the decking panels at an upper end (the base/head can also beused in some configurations to attach diagonal bracing members (whichcan be elongate legs provided at an angle)), and pins to attach thebase/head to the legs and decking panels.

When formed, it is unusual if the dimension of the safety deck whenassembled, matches the internal dimension of the building exactly whichleads to the edge of the safety decking being spaced from the inside ofthe walls, leaving a gap. These gaps are dangerous and are typicallycovered using a lapboard, which is generally, another decking panel. Thelapboards are typically wider than the gap.

The conventional technique for installing a lapboard is to stack asecond base on the first base, before installing the leg (which willraise the head at the top of the leg by a corresponding amount) in thegap and then locate the lapboard partially on top of the assembledsafety deck and support the free edge on the now-elevated head. Thelapboard can be fixed in position against movement using one or moreratchet straps or cam straps threaded through the safety deck and thelapboard.

This technique places the lapboard substantially parallel to the safetydeck and above the deck, supported as it is at at least one edge by thesafety deck. This forms a trip hazard at at least one edge of thelapboard.

Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome orameliorate any one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages orprovide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided alapboard for a safety deck assembly, the safety deck assembly comprisinga upper deck formed of one or more decking panels having a substantiallyplanar upper surface and an elevated support assembly comprising anumber of elongate legs, a base for each elongate leg to form a foot, ahead for each elongate leg to at least partially support a decking panelrelative to an upper end of the leg, the lapboard comprising asubstantially planar upper surface and at least one receiving openingformed in an underside of the lapboard to receive a portion of the headto locate the upper surface of the lapboard substantially coplanar withthe upper surface of the decking panels, the lapboard being smaller inwidth than the decking panels.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a safetydeck assembly comprising a upper deck formed of one or more deckingpanels having a substantially planar upper surface and an elevatedsupport assembly comprising a number of elongate legs, a base for eachelongate leg to form a foot, a head for each elongate leg to at leastpartially support a decking panel relative to an upper end of the leg,and at least one lapboard comprising a substantially planar uppersurface and at least one receiving opening formed in an underside of thelapboard to receive a portion of the head to locate the upper surface ofthe lapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface of thedecking panels, the lapboard being smaller in width than the deckingpanels.

Providing a lapboard and a safety deck including at least one lapboardwith a smaller width than that of the main decking panels and with atleast one receiving opening formed in an underside of the lapboard toreceive a portion of the head to locate the upper surface of thelapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the deckingpanels means that the lapboard is then co-planar with the decking panelsand no longer presents a tripping hazard. The lapboard will normally bemounted relative to the same head as the decking panels, insubstantially the same way so that the same heads can be used to mountboth the decking panels and the lapboard(s).

The safety deck assembly will typically include a number of deckingpanels to form a substantially planar deck. The planar deck willtypically be formed above a floor of the structure. The planar deck willtypically be formed within the confines of the structure, namely insidea number of walls of the structure. The walls may have doorways or dooropenings integrated thereinto.

The safety deck of the assembly will typically be spaced from the floorof the structure using the elongate legs. A base/head will generally bemounted relative to opposite ends of each of the elongate legs to form afoot at a lower end and a head at an upper end for locating the deckingpanels.

The base/head may be the same component and is preferably simply used inan inverted orientation relative to the elongate leg when provided asthe head.

The base/head may be provided with one or more attachment configurationto attach one or more diagonal bracing members relative to any one ormore of the elongate legs. Typically, diagonal bracing members may beprovided in the same configuration as the elongate legs (and beinterchangeable with the elongate legs as this will minimise the numberof parts that need to be provided to form the safety deck) and providedat an angle relative to one or more of the elongate legs.

In an embodiment, the elongate leg may be removably attached to thebase/head. a pin may be used to attach the elongate leg to thebase/head. A pin may be used to attach the base/head to a diagonalbracing member. Typically, the pin will be inserted transversely throughaligned openings provided in the elongate leg, base/head and/or diagonalbracing member.

The base/head will typically include a main opening to receive a portionof the elongate leg. The opening will typically be defined by areceiving collar. The opening is preferably provided with a base wall toabut/support an end of the elongate leg. The opening may be any shape.Typically, the preferred receiving collar and base wall will typicallydefine an opening which corresponds in shape to the external shape ofthe elongate leg. The elongate leg will be substantially rectangular incross sectional shape and therefore, the opening may be substantiallyrectangular in shape as well.

Typically, the elongate leg will be received in the opening in afriction fit. A transversely extending pin may be provided to attach theelongate leg relative to the base/head, the transverse pin extendingthrough aligned openings in the leg and the preferred receiving collarwhich align when the elongate leg is located in the receiving collar.

A number of bearing formations may be provided on the base/head. Thebearing portions may be spaced about the external side(s) of thepreferred receiving collar. The bearing formations will typically abutthe ground or other support surface when the base/head is used as a footfor an elongate leg. When the base/head is used as a head, the bearingformations will typically support at least one decking panel/lapboardrelative to the head. The bearing portions will typically extend pastthe plane of the base wall of the preferred receiving collar.

Each bearing portion is preferably shaped. Each bearing portion may havea support surface. In use, the support surfaces will typically be placedon the ground or other surface when the base/head is used as a base andthe support surfaces will typically abut a portion of a deckingpanel/lapboard when the base/head is used as the head.

The support surfaces of the bearing portions are typically planar. Thesupport surfaces are typically substantially parallel to the preferredbase wall of the base/head. The support surfaces are typicallysubstantially perpendicular to the axis of the main opening. The supportsurfaces are typically spaced from the preferred base wall of thebase/head. Generally, the bearing portions extend on opposite side ofthe preferred base wall to the preferred receiving collar. The bearingportions will normally be located outside the receiving collar in orderto spread the load outside the footprint of the elongate leg, whenlocated in the base/head.

At least one of the bearing formations of each head will typically bereceived, at least partially, in an opening in the underside of adecking board/lapboard. This will typically locate the deckingboard/lapboard relative to the head, minimising and typically preventingany lateral movement of the decking board/lapboard relative to the head.

The lapboard may be any shape. The lapboard will typically be generallyrectangular in external shape. The lapboard will normally have an uppersurface. The upper surface is typically one upon which a workman willstand. The upper surface is normally planar. One or more grip members orformations may be provided on the upper surface of the lapboard.Generally, grip formations are spread over the upper surface of thelapboard.

The dimensions of the lapboard are typically related to the dimensionsof the decking panel with which the lapboard is used. Normally, adecking panel has a standard width, typically 1 m. In one form, thedecking panel will be square. The lapboard is typically a standardlength, normally 1 m. The length of the lapboard may be the same as thelength of the decking board used to form the platform relative to whichthe lapboard is used.

The thickness of the lapboard is preferably the same as the thickness ofthe decking panel. Although the thickness may vary, a thickness ofapproximately 30 to 50 mm is preferred, as this thickness has been foundto provide sufficient rigidity and strength to support even a reasonablyheavy workman thereon but still be light enough (depending onmaterial(s) used) to be easily transported and assembled. In anembodiment, the lapboard may be approximate 40 mm in thickness. It isnot strictly necessary that the lapboard and the decking panels be thesame thickness but it is preferred that the upper surface of thelapboard and the upper surface of the decking panels are coplanar whenin use.

The width of the lapboard is typically smaller than the width of thedecking panel. This will allow the lapboard to be installed between anedge of a peripheral decking board in the safety deck assembly and anobstruction, typically a fixed wall of the structure for example, tobridge the gap. Lapboards may be provided in a number of differentwidths in order to span different sized gaps.

The lapboard may have any width. A width of approximately 800 mm to 900mm is preferred as the width of a standard internal door is typicallyapproximately 850 mm. The width of the lapboard may be important as thewidth will typically effectively locate the elongate legs of the supportassembly of the safety deck relative to which the lapboard is mounted(as the heads of the support assembly of the safety deck assembly willnormally engage the at least one opening provide in an underside of thelapboard). Providing a lapboard of approximately 800 mm to 900 mm inwidth allows the elongate legs of the support assembly of the safetydeck to be positioned on either side of a standard width door frame oropening, without obstructing access through the door by positioning anelongate leg within the width of the door frame or opening. In onepreferred form, the lapboard will be approximately 1 m long andapproximately 800 mm to 900 mm in width.

At least one receiving opening is typically formed in an underside ofthe lapboard to receive a portion of the head, to locate the uppersurface of the lapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface ofthe decking panels. The underside of the lapboard is preferably open.Typically, a plurality of strengthening ribs are provided on anunderside of the lapboard. The strengthening ribs are typically providedin a regular array. The strengthening ribs typically extendsubstantially perpendicularly to an underside of the substantiallyplanar upper surface. In one form, a rectangular array of strengtheningribs is provided.

The provision of the strengthening ribs will typically form a number ofopen cells on the underside of the lapboard. The cells will typically beopen at a lower side and closed at an upper side by the underside of thesubstantially planar upper surface of the lapboard.

Each corner of the underside of the lapboard typically has at least onereceiving opening. Normally, a receiving opening is provided at eachcorner of the lapboard. More than one receiving opening may be provided.Where more than one receiving opening is provided, the receivingopenings are typically spaced apart to correspond to the spacings of thebearing portions on the head.

The configuration of the at least one receiving opening is typicallydependent upon the configuration of the head, and particularly on thebearing portions provided on the head. Typically, the at least onereceiving opening is defined by one or more strengthening ribs. The atleast one receiving opening will typically receive a bearing portion, atleast partially therein. The shape and configuration of the at least onereceiving opening will typically correspond to the bearing portion suchthat lateral movement of the bearing portion within the receivingopening is minimised.

In one form, a set of four receiving openings may be provided at eachcorner of the underside of the lapboard. The set of four receivingopenings is typically provided in a rectangular layout with one of thefour receiving openings located at the corner.

The at least one receiving opening may be provided or associated with anopening through the upper surface of the lapboard. Normally, the openingthrough the upper surface of the lapboard is smaller than a portion ofthe bearing portion such that the bearing portion does not extendthrough the opening above the level of the substantially planar uppersurface of the lapboard.

At least one securing opening may be provided in one or more of theperipheral walls of the lapboard. Typically, at least one securingopening is provided adjacent to a corner of the lapboard. The at leastone securing opening can be used to receive a pin thereinto to securethe lapboard relative to a head.

The lower edges of the respective strengthening ribs are typically allcoplanar.

The lower edges of the strengthening ribs of at least some of the cellsprovided on the underside of the lapboard will typically abut the basewall of the head when the lapboard is installed on the head. Dependingupon the location of the lapboard relative to each head, a head may haveone bearing portion received in one receiving opening on the undersideof the lapboard, two bearing portions received in two respectivereceiving openings on the underside of the lapboard or four bearingportions received in four respective receiving openings on the undersideof the lapboard.

A central portion of the underside of the lapboard may include anannular strengthening wall. One or more radiating strengthening ribs maybe provided, radiating from the preferred annular strengthening wall. Arectangular surround strengthening wall formed from four strengtheningribs may be provided about the one or more radiating strengthening ribs.A regular array of rectangular cells formed by a number of strengtheningribs may be provided outside the rectangular surround strengtheningwall.

At least one opening may be provided through the substantially planarupper surface of the lapboard. The at least one opening may be providedthrough a cell. The provision of an opening through a cell willgenerally allow any water that falls onto the upper surface of thelapboard to drain through the lapboard.

The lapboard is typically formed in a single piece. The lapboard ispreferably formed from a high strength material such as plastic or lightmetal. The lapboard is typically rigid and strong. The lapboard may beformed in a single piece using a moulding process.

In a deck system including one or more lapboard and a main deck formedfrom one or more main decking panels, the one or more lapboard willpreferably be coloured to stand out from the colour of the main deck. Inone form, the one or more lapboard will be provided in a colour whichcontrasts with the colour of the main deck. In one form, the lapboardmay be garish colour compared to the colour of the main deck such as forexample bright yellow compared to a more generic colour of the main decksuch as red or black for example. This will help to clearly identify thelapped nature of the lapboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or moreembodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view from above of a lapboard for a safety deckaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an axonometric view from below of the lapboard illustrated inFIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a side view of the lapboard illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a top view of the lapboard illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the lapboard illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is an axonometric view of a safety deck assembly with which alapboard may be used.

FIG. 6A is an axonometric detail view of a base as illustrated in theportion of FIG. 6 identified using reference letter A.

FIG. 6B is an axonometric detail view of a base as illustrated in theportion of FIG. 6 identified using reference letter B.

FIG. 6C is an axonometric detail view of a base as illustrated in theportion of FIG. 6 identified using reference letter C.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view from an upper side of a lapboard accordingto an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 7B is an isometric view from a lower side of the lapboardillustrated in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view from a first angle of a lapboard mountedrelative to a deck panel in an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8but with the head supporting the lapboard inboard of the edge of thelapboard.

FIG. 10 is a view from below of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 9.

With reference to the accompanying figures, a lapboard 10 for a safetydeck assembly 11 is provided.

An example of a safety deck assembly 11 is shown in FIGS. 6 to 6C. Thesafety deck assembly 11 illustrated comprises an upper deck formed of asingle decking panel 12 in that instance, the decking panel 12 having asubstantially planar upper surface. The decking panel 12 is supportedabove a surface by an elevated support assembly 13 comprising a numberof elongate legs 14, a base 15 for each elongate leg 14 to form a foot,a head 16 for each elongate leg 14 to at least partially support thedecking panel 12 relative to an upper end of the elongate leg 14.

The safety deck assembly 11 will normally include a number of deckingpanels 12 to form a substantially planar deck. The planar deck willtypically be formed above a floor of the structure (not shown). Theplanar deck will typically be formed within the confines of thestructure, namely inside a number of walls of the structure. The wallsmay have doorways or door openings integrated thereinto.

The safety deck of the assembly will typically be spaced from the floorof the structure using the elongate legs 14. A base/head 15, 16 willgenerally be mounted relative to opposite ends of each of the elongatelegs 14 to form a foot at a lower end and a head at an upper end forlocating the decking panels.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 6C, the base/head 15, 16 may be the samecomponent and simply used in an inverted orientation relative to theelongate leg 14 when provided as the base/head 15, 16.

The base/head 15, 16 may be provided with one or more attachmentconfiguration to attach one or more diagonal bracing members 17 relativeto any one or more of the elongate legs 14. Typically, diagonal bracingmembers 17 will be provided in the same configuration as the elongatelegs 14 (and be interchangeable with the elongate legs 14 as this willminimise the number of parts that need to be provided to form the safetydeck assembly 11) and provided at an angle relative to one or more ofthe elongate legs 14. A number of horizontal members 22 may be providedto brace the elongate legs 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate leg 14 is removably attachedto the base/head 15, 16. A pin 18 may be used to attach the elongate leg14 to the base/head 15, 16. A pin 18 may be used to attach the base/head15, 16 to a diagonal bracing member 17. Typically, the pin 18 will beinserted transversely through aligned openings provided in the elongateleg 14, base/head 15, 16 and/or diagonal bracing member 17.

The base/head 15, 16 illustrated has a receiving collar 19 defining amain opening to receive a portion of the elongate leg 14. The mainopening is normally provided with a base wall to abut/support an end ofthe elongate leg 14. The main opening may be any shape, but typically,the receiving collar 19 and base wall will typically define a mainopening which corresponds in shape to the external shape of the elongateleg 14. The elongate leg 14 shown is substantially rectangular in crosssectional shape and therefore, the main opening is substantiallyrectangular in shape as well.

Typically, the elongate leg 14 will be received in the main opening in afriction fit. As best seen in FIG. 6C, a transversely extending pin 18may be provided to attach the elongate leg 14 relative to the base/head15, 16, the transverse pin 18 extending through aligned openings in theleg 14 and the receiving collar 19 which align when the elongate leg 14is located in the receiving collar 19.

A number of bearing formations 20 may be provided on the base/head 15,16. The bearing portions 15, 16 may be spaced about the external side(s)of the receiving collar 19. The bearing formations 20 will typicallyabut the ground or other support surface when the base/head 15, 16 isused as a foot for an elongate leg 14. When the base/head 15, 16 is usedas a head, the bearing formations 20 will typically support at least onedecking panel 12/lapboard 10 relative to the head 16. The bearingportions 20 will typically extend past the plane of the base wall of thereceiving collar 19.

Each bearing portion 20 is preferably shaped. Each bearing portion 20may have a support surface 21. In use, the support surfaces 21 willtypically be placed on the ground or other surface when the base/head15, 16 is used as a base and the support surfaces 21 will typically abuta portion of a decking panel 12/lapboard 10 when the base/head 15, 16 isused as a head 16.

The support surfaces 21 of the bearing portions 20 are typically planar.The support surfaces 21 are typically substantially parallel to thepreferred base wall of the base/head 15, 16. The support surfaces 21 aretypically substantially perpendicular to the axis of the main opening.The support surfaces 21 are typically spaced from the preferred basewall of the base/head. Generally, the bearing portions 20 extend onopposite side of the preferred base wall to the receiving collar 19 andmay be mounted relative thereto. The bearing portions 20 will normallybe located outside the receiving collar 19 in order to spread the loadoutside the footprint of the elongate leg 14, when located in thebase/head 15, 16.

At least one of the bearing formations 20 of each head 16 will typicallybe received, at least partially, in an opening in the underside of adecking board 12/lapboard 10. This will typically locate the deckingboard 12/lapboard 10 relative to the head 16, minimising and typicallypreventing any lateral movement of the decking board 12/lapboard 10relative to the head whilst supporting the decking board 12/lapboard 10through the support surfaces 21 abutting an underside of the uppersurface of the decking board 12/lapboard 10.

The lapboard 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 comprises a substantially planarupper surface 23 and at least one receiving opening 24 formed in anunderside of the lapboard 10 to receive a portion of the head 16 tolocate the upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10 substantially coplanarwith the upper surface of the decking panels 12, the lapboard 10 beingsmaller in width than the decking panels 12.

Although the lapboard 10 may be any shape, it will typically begenerally rectangular in external shape as shown. The lapboard 10 willnormally have an upper surface 23. The upper surface 23 is typically oneupon which a workman will stand. The upper surface 23 is normallyplanar. One or more grip members or formations 25 may be provided on theupper surface 23 of the lapboard 10. Generally, grip formations arespread over the upper surface of the lapboard.

The dimensions of the lapboard 10 are typically related to thedimensions of the decking panel 12 with which the lapboard 10 is used.Normally, a preferred decking panel 12 is substantially square, having alength and a width of approximately 1 m. The lapboard 10 is typicallystandard length to match the length of the decking panel 12, normally 1m.

The thickness of the lapboard 10 is preferably the same as the thicknessof the decking panel 12. Although the thickness may vary, a thickness ofapproximately 30 to mm is preferred, as this thickness has been found toprovide sufficient rigidity and strength to support even a reasonablyheavy workman thereon but still be light enough (depending onmaterial(s) used) to be easily transported and assembled. In anembodiment, the lapboard 10 may be approximate 40 mm in thickness. It isnot strictly necessary that the lapboard 10 and the decking panels 12 bethe same thickness but it is preferred that the upper surface 23 of thelapboard 10 and the upper surface of the decking panels 12 are coplanarwhen in use.

The width of the lapboard 10 is typically smaller than the width of thedecking panel 12. This will allow the lapboard 10 to be installedbetween an edge of a peripheral decking board 12 in the safety deckassembly 11 and an obstruction, typically a fixed wall of the structurefor example, to bridge the gap. Lapboards 10 may be provided in a numberof different widths in order to span different sized gaps.

The lapboard 10 may have any width. A width of approximately 800 mm to900 mm is preferred as the width of a standard internal door istypically approximately 850 mm. The width of the lapboard 10 may beimportant as the width will typically effectively locate the elongatelegs 14 of the support assembly 13 of the safety deck assembly 11relative to which the lapboard 10 is mounted (as the heads of thesupport assembly 13 of the safety deck assembly 11 will normally engagethe at least one receiving opening 24 provide in an underside of thelapboard 10). Providing a lapboard 10 of approximately 800 mm to 900 mmin width allows the elongate legs 14 of the support assembly 13 of thesafety deck assembly 11 to be positioned on either side of a standardwidth door frame or opening, without obstructing access through the doorby positioning an elongate leg 14 within the width of the door frame oropening.

As shown in FIG. 5 in particular, at least one receiving opening 24 istypically formed in an underside of the lapboard 10 to receive a portionof the head 16, to locate the upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels 12.The underside of the lapboard 10 is preferably open. Typically, aplurality of strengthening ribs 30 are provided on an underside of thelapboard 10. The strengthening ribs 30 are typically provided in aregular array. The strengthening ribs 30 typically extend substantiallyperpendicularly to an underside of the substantially planar uppersurface 23. In one form, a rectangular array of strengthening ribs 30 isprovided.

The provision of the strengthening ribs 30 will typically form a numberof open cells 29 on the underside of the lapboard 10. The cells 29 willtypically be open at a lower side and closed at an upper side by theunderside of the substantially planar upper surface 23 of the lapboard10.

Each corner region of the underside of the lapboard 10 typically has atleast one receiving opening 24. Normally, a receiving opening 24 isprovided at each corner of the lapboard 10. More than one receivingopening 24 may be provided. Where more than one receiving opening 24 isprovided, the receiving openings 24 are typically spaced apart tocorrespond to the spacings of the bearing portions 20 on the head 16.

The configuration of the at least one receiving opening 24 is typicallydependent upon the configuration of the head 16, and particularly on theconfiguration of the bearing portions 20 provided on the head 16.Typically, the at least one receiving opening 24 is defined by one ormore strengthening ribs 30. The at least one receiving opening 24 willtypically receive a bearing portion, at least partially therein. Theshape and configuration of the at least one receiving opening 24 willtypically correspond to the bearing portion 20 such that lateralmovement of the bearing portion 20 within the receiving opening 24 isminimised.

In one form as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , a set of four receiving openings24 may be provided at each corner region of the underside of thelapboard 10. The set of four receiving openings 24 is typically providedin a rectangular layout with one of the four receiving openings 24located at the corner. This enables a head with four bearing portions 20to support a corner of four decking panels 12, two decking panels 12 andtwo lapboards 10 or a corner of a single decking panel 12.

The at least one receiving opening 24 may be provided or associated withan opening through the upper surface of the lapboard 10. If provided,the opening through the upper surface of the lapboard 10 is smaller thana portion of the bearing portion 20 such that the bearing portion 20does not extend through the opening above the level of the substantiallyplanar upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 8 , at least one securing opening 31 maybe provided in one or more of the peripheral walls of the lapboard 10.Typically, any securing openings 31 are provided adjacent to a corner ofthe lapboard 10. The at least one securing opening can be used toreceive a pin 18 thereinto to secure the lapboard relative to a head 16.

The lower edges of the respective strengthening ribs 30 are typicallyall coplanar.

The lower edges of the strengthening ribs 30 of at least some of thecells provided on the underside of the lapboard 10 will typically abutthe base wall of the head 16 on an opposite side to the elongate leg 14,when the lapboard 10 is installed on the head. As mentioned above,depending upon the location of the lapboard 10 relative to each head 16,a head 16 may have one bearing portion 20 received in one receivingopening 24 on the underside of the lapboard 10, two bearing portions 20received in two respective receiving openings 24 on the underside of thelapboard 10 or four bearing portions 20 received in four respectivereceiving openings 24 on the underside of the lapboard 10.

As shown in FIG. 5 , a central portion of the underside of the lapboard10 may include an annular strengthening wall 26. One or more radiatingstrengthening ribs 27 may be provided, radiating from the annularstrengthening wall 26. A rectangular surround strengthening wall formedfrom four strengthening ribs 30 may be provided about the one or moreradiating strengthening ribs 27. A regular array of rectangular cellsformed by a number of strengthening ribs 30 may be provided outside therectangular surround strengthening wall.

At least one opening 28 may be provided through the substantially planarupper surface 23 of the lapboard 10. The at least one opening may beprovided through a cell. The provision of an opening through a cell willgenerally allow any water that falls onto the upper surface of thelapboard 10 to drain through the lapboard 10.

The lapboard 10 is typically formed in a single piece. The lapboard 10is preferably formed from a high strength material such as plastic orlight metal. The lapboard 10 is typically rigid and strong. The lapboard10 may be formed in a single piece using a moulding process.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B is similar to thatillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 but without openings through the uppersurface of the lapboard 10 which coincide with the at least onereceiving opening 24. The underside of the lapboard illustrated in FIGS.7A and 7B is the same as that illustrated in FIG. 2 but without theopenings through the upper surface of the lapboard 10 which coincidewith the at least one receiving opening 24.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show the use of the lapboard 10 in situations where thegap between the edge of the deck formed from main decking boards 12 andanother structure such as a wall for example, is smaller than the widthof the lapboard 10. In this situation, the lapboard 10 may still be‘lapped’ or have one edge supported by the main decking boards 12. Thelapboard may lap with an edge on each side thereof supported on anadjacent deck portion to cover a doorway opening where there are twodecks at the same height either side of the door.

The outer edge of the lapboard 10 may be supported at an outer edge by ahead 16 (stacked on another head 16 as shown to locate the upper head 16at the correct height) as illustrated in FIG. 9 , or inboard of the edgeof the lapboard 10 by a head 16 (stacked on another head 16 as shown tolocate the upper head 16 at the correct height).

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 6C, the base/head 15, 16 may be the samecomponent and simply used in an inverted orientation relative to theelongate leg 14 when provided as the base/head 15, 16. If the height ofthe lapboard 10 needs to one adjusted, a head 16 may be stacked onanother head 16, at the upper end of the elongate leg 14 or at the base.

The bearing formations 20 support at least one decking panel 12/lapboard10 relative to the head 16, with at least one bearing formation 20 ofthe head being received in at least one receiving opening 24 on anunderside of the lapboard 10 in the corner region.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only.Many variations are possible without departing from the scope ofprotection afforded by the appended claims.

1. A lapboard for a safety deck assembly, the safety deck assemblycomprising a upper deck formed of one or more decking panels having asubstantially planar upper surface and an elevated support assemblycomprising a number of elongate legs, a base for each elongate leg toform a foot, a head for each elongate leg to at least partially supporta decking panel relative to an upper end of the leg, the lapboardcomprising a substantially planar upper surface and at least onereceiving opening formed in an underside of the lapboard to receive aportion of the head to locate the upper surface of the lapboardsubstantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels, thelapboard being smaller in width than the one or more decking panels. 2.(canceled)
 3. A lapboard as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lapboard hasa width of approximately 800 mm to 900 mm.
 4. A lapboard as claimed inclaim 1 further comprising a plurality of strengthening ribs provided onan underside of the lapboard.
 5. A lapboard as claimed in claim 4wherein the strengthening ribs are provided in a regular array.
 6. Alapboard as claimed in claim 4 wherein the strengthening ribs extendsubstantially perpendicularly to an underside of the substantiallyplanar upper surface.
 7. A lapboard as claimed in claim 4 wherein thestrengthening ribs form a number of open cells on the underside of thelapboard.
 8. A lapboard as claimed in claim 1 wherein a receivingopening is provided at each corner of the lapboard.
 9. A lapboard asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one receiving opening is definedby one or more strengthening ribs provided on an underside of thelapboard.
 10. A lapboard as claimed in claim 1 wherein a set of fourreceiving openings is provided at each corner region of the underside ofthe lapboard with one of the four receiving openings located at acorner. 11-14. (canceled)
 15. A lapboard as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe lapboard is formed in a single piece.
 16. A safety deck assemblycomprising a upper deck formed of one or more decking panels having asubstantially planar upper surface and an elevated support assemblycomprising a number of elongate legs, a base for each elongate leg toform a foot, a head for each elongate leg to at least partially supporta decking panel relative to an upper end of the leg, and at least onelapboard as claimed in claim
 1. 17. A safety deck assembly as claimed inclaim 16 comprising a number of decking panels to form a substantiallyplanar deck spaced from a floor using the elongate legs.
 18. A safetydeck assembly as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the base andthe head have the same configuration used inverted relative to oneanother mounted relative to opposite ends of each of the elongate legsto form a foot at a lower end and a head at an upper end for locatingthe decking panels/lapboard.
 19. A safety deck assembly as claimed inclaim 18 wherein the base and the head each include a main openingdefined by a receiving collar to receive a portion of a respectiveelongate leg.
 20. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim 19 whereinthe main opening is provided with a base wall to support a respectiveend of the elongate leg.
 21. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim20 wherein a number of bearing formations are provided on the headspaced about the receiving collar so that the bearing formations supportat least one decking panel/lapboard relative to the head.
 22. A safetydeck assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein each bearing portion has asupport surface to abut a portion of a decking panel/lapboard.
 23. Asafety deck assembly as claimed in claim 22 wherein the support surfacesare planar and spaced from the receiving collar.
 24. A safety deckassembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein at least one of the bearingformations of each head is received, at least partially, in an openingin the underside of a decking board/lapboard to locate the deckingboard/lapboard relative to the head.
 25. A safety deck assembly asclaimed in claim 24 wherein the bearing formation is received within theopening in the underside of a decking board/lapboard to minimise lateralmovement of the decking board/lapboard relative to the head.